Sweden and Estonia sign historic prison‑lease deal for up to 600 inmates

Swedish and Estonian officials have concluded a memorandum of understanding that will allow Sweden to transfer up to 600 prisoners to the largely vacant Tartu Prison in southern Estonia. The agreement, signed by Estonia’s Minister of the Interior and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta and Swedish Prison and Probation Service director Rikard Jermsten, stipulates that Sweden will pay roughly €30.6 million a year for the first 300 places, with costs covered entirely by Sweden. The first group of inmates, all male and serving long sentences for violent or drug‑related crimes, is expected to arrive in August, with transfers increasing gradually until the 600‑prisoner target is reached.

Swedish authorities present the deal as a solution to severe overcrowding in domestic prisons, while Estonian officials argue it will preserve jobs at Tartu Prison and enhance regional security. The arrangement has drawn criticism in Sweden, where families fear the hardship of moving inmates far from their children, and in Estonia, where a poll shows a majority of the public opposes the lease. Legal experts have also raised concerns about the speed of the process and the rights of transferred prisoners.

The memorandum includes detailed provisions on living conditions, cell standards, clothing, communication channels and the use of nicotine products, aiming to ensure that transferred inmates receive the same treatment as in Swedish facilities.